USB3 port: Programmatically force it to operate in USB2 mode
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Is it possible to programmatically under Windows force a USB3 port to operate in USB2 mode, and then at a later time to switch it back into supporting USB3 mode? We need to test that a piece of hardware functions with both USB2 and USB3 connections, and would like to do this programmatically to prevent operator errors.
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Is it possible to programmatically under Windows force a USB3 port to operate in USB2 mode, and then at a later time to switch it back into supporting USB3 mode? We need to test that a piece of hardware functions with both USB2 and USB3 connections, and would like to do this programmatically to prevent operator errors.
It will switch automatically if you plug a USB 2 device in, as the USB 3 pins will not be live. But most PCs these days have both types so it should be fairly simple to do. The only other way I can think of would be in the BIOS somehow, or to remove the 3.0 driver.
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It will switch automatically if you plug a USB 2 device in, as the USB 3 pins will not be live. But most PCs these days have both types so it should be fairly simple to do. The only other way I can think of would be in the BIOS somehow, or to remove the 3.0 driver.
Yes, I know it will switch to USB 2 mode with a USB 2 device. We need to avoid an operator having to plug the device into a USB 3 port, and then moving it to a USB 2 port, as they can be lazy, or make mistakes. We need the switching to be automatic and fast, and some form of switchable hub that connects to USB 2 and USB 3 ports on the PC may be the answer.
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Is it possible to programmatically under Windows force a USB3 port to operate in USB2 mode, and then at a later time to switch it back into supporting USB3 mode? We need to test that a piece of hardware functions with both USB2 and USB3 connections, and would like to do this programmatically to prevent operator errors.
Do not trust software emulation where you can easily use real hardware... In most computer there are both USB2 and USB3 port, and it is very easy to get a expansion card for $5 if you happened to work with a PC without USB2...
Skipper: We'll fix it. Alex: Fix it? How you gonna fix this? Skipper: Grit, spit and a whole lotta duct tape.
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Yes, I know it will switch to USB 2 mode with a USB 2 device. We need to avoid an operator having to plug the device into a USB 3 port, and then moving it to a USB 2 port, as they can be lazy, or make mistakes. We need the switching to be automatic and fast, and some form of switchable hub that connects to USB 2 and USB 3 ports on the PC may be the answer.
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Is it possible to programmatically under Windows force a USB3 port to operate in USB2 mode, and then at a later time to switch it back into supporting USB3 mode? We need to test that a piece of hardware functions with both USB2 and USB3 connections, and would like to do this programmatically to prevent operator errors.
You may use an "USB 3 sharing switch" (use that search term). They provide connection of an USB device to two or more computers but may be off course also used to connect to two ports of one computer. These usually have a key to switch the ports and may support auto detection. If you don't want the operator to press the switch key, you may look for one that supports other switching methods. I found at least one that allows switching using a hotkey when connected to a Windows PC. Your test program might then simulate the hotkey activation. If the switch has an auto detection it should be also possible to trigger that by disabling one of the PC USB ports. But I have done such with Linux only so far and don't know how to do that with Windows. Note that this method (like the one initially asked) requires administrative privileges.
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You may use an "USB 3 sharing switch" (use that search term). They provide connection of an USB device to two or more computers but may be off course also used to connect to two ports of one computer. These usually have a key to switch the ports and may support auto detection. If you don't want the operator to press the switch key, you may look for one that supports other switching methods. I found at least one that allows switching using a hotkey when connected to a Windows PC. Your test program might then simulate the hotkey activation. If the switch has an auto detection it should be also possible to trigger that by disabling one of the PC USB ports. But I have done such with Linux only so far and don't know how to do that with Windows. Note that this method (like the one initially asked) requires administrative privileges.
Hello Jochen Thank you, that is very helpful. Yours, Leif
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If the device is USB2 then plugging it into a USB3 port will not be a problem, it will run as USB2. I don't quite see what problem you are trying to solve.
Richard, we have a unit that needs to be tested on the production line, prior to shipping to the customer. The unit must work with both USB 2 and USB 3 connections. I won't go into the reasons why we need to test both connections but we do. At present the operator must manually take the USB cable out of the USB 3 socket, and put it into the USB 2 socket, and vice versa, when requested to do so by the test script. This introduces room for error, as they might get confused, and also they might end up damaging the USB socket since they will do this many times each day. So a better solution is to have a software controlled way to switch between USB 2 and USB 3 connections. Jochen's suggestion is a significant improvement on the current scheme.
